Using nanotube-coated power measurement device developed by NIST, U.S. military can calibrate high-power laser systems, such as those intended to defuse unexploded mines. Portable unit can make continuous power measurements and will be used to measure light emitted by 10 kW laser systems. Made of multiwalled carbon nanotubes held together by potassium silicate binder, and surrounded by water jacket, sprayed-on coating conducts heat hundreds of times better than conventional coating materials.
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Issued for public comment, NIST's draft publication describes method to automate task of verifying computer security settings. Known as Security Content Automation Protocol, specification has been incorporated into scanners for checking security settings in federal computers. Publication provides overview of SCAP, discusses programs for ensuring that products implement SCAP properly, and recommends how federal agencies and other organizations can use SCAP effectively.
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To identify and respond to current needs of nuclear industry, ANSI and NIST have announced formation of Nuclear Energy Standards Coordination Collaborative. Cross-stakeholder forum will facilitate and coordinate timely identification, development, and revision of standards for design, operation, development, licensing, and deployment of nuclear power plants. Standards for other nuclear technologies, including advanced reactor concepts, will also be addressed.
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ANSI held the third plenary meeting of its Identity Theft Prevention and Identity Management Standards Panel (IDSP) from April 27-28, 2009 in Arlington, VA. With close to 100 participants, the meeting took point-in-time look at state of identity theft prevention and identity management. Panel discussions considered progress made on various fronts and looked ahead at areas that still need attention. IDSP is now soliciting input for new workshops on future work by June 1.
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Organized by ANSI with support of EPA, "Toward Product Standards for Sustainability" workshop brought experts and advocates together to share insights and develop recommendations on product standards for sustainability. Three focused panels addressed challenges involved in successful sustainable performance criteria development, reliance upon standards/criteria to respond to consumer demand for environmentally responsible products, and retail perspectives.
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Scheduled for June 16-17, 2009, Manufacturing Innovations Conference will showcase new technologies and applications for manufacturing in oil and gas industry. It will include keynote by Mel Knight, energy minister, and Annette Trimbee, advanced education and technology deputy minister; technology sessions on manufacturing solutions and non-destructive testing; and WMTS Town Hall Experience, an interactive panel discussion on managing manufacturing operations in roller-coaster commodity market.
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Taking place from August 17-18, 2009 in Toronto, the Standards Engineering Society's (SES) 58th Annual Conference will be centered around the theme "Reaching for the Top: New Heights for Standards." This event, featuring speakers such as ANSI Board of Directors Chairman Art Cote and ANSI Senior Director of Business Development Rosemary Maginniss, will include moderated discussions and panels on range of issues relevant to the standards community.
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With theme of "Standards for Environmental Stewardship", 2009 World Standards Day Paper Competition recognizes critical role of standards and conformity assessment programs in key issues that affect environment, from sustainable products and buildings to greenhouse gases and energy conservation. Competition invites papers that use specific examples to show ways that standards and conformity assessment programs are used to promote and facilitate environmentally friendly practices.
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The ASTM International Award of Merit and accompanying title of fellow from ASTM Committee D15 on Engine Coolants has been given to Rene D. Wiebe, market development manager of hydrocarbon products at Parker Hannifin Corp, Holly Springs, Miss. It recognizes his individual contributions to ASTM standards activities, specifically his leadership in the committee and his work in the development of test methods and specifications for engine coolants.
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During Drinking Water Week, AWWA is highlighting importance of protecting and conserving water resources. Mike Leonard, AWWA President, says it is most important to protect water at its source and keep watersheds and waterways free from pollution. Water communities are investing in technologies to reuse and desalinate water and utilities need to invest in maintaining water infrastructure. AWWA is also offering various tips for people to conserve water.
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According to RIA recommendations for cleaning and restoration professionals, as well as building services personnel, microbial contaminants should be removed with damp wiping, air scrubbing, and other methods that will effectively eliminate them from environment. Recommended personal protective equipment includes disposable Tyvek® suits, shoe covers/booties, non-permeable gloves, splash-resistant goggles, and N-95 or higher filtering facepiece respirator certified by NIOSH.
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As an authoritative resource on safe water, AWWA will highlight the benefits of tap water - quality, efficiency, conservation - as well as the importance of water infrastructure during Drinking Water Week 2009. This annual celebration will also feature water utilities, environmental advocates, and others participating in school events, public presentations, and community festivals. Communities will also be given important tips for protecting water supplies and conserving resources.
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In Special 301 annual report to Congress, USTR Ron Kirk served clear notice that he and Obama Administration will confront Intellectual Property Rights problems wherever they emerge. According to Ambassador Kirk, annual report provides one critical tool for focusing on urgent problems that threaten to undermine innovation and creativity of American firms, workers, and artists. NAM looks forward to working with Kirk, his USTR team, and Administration to address these problems.
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Released by the Standard 189.1 committee, the nation's first standard for high-performance green buildings began its third public review period May 1, 2009. Comments on "Standard for the Design of High Performance, Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings" will be accepted through June 15, 2009. The third public review draft has been reorganized to focus on delivering and maintaining energy and water efficiency performance over the life of the building.
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Scheduled for Sept 14-15, 13th Annual Power Switching Safety and Reliability Conference will offer opportunity to exchange information about switching policies and procedures that contribute to safety and reliability. Event will address detailed switching procedures and associated software, programs for training, audits and incident investigation, as well as management strategies and policies. Training Seminar titled Time-Critical Decision Making and Examples will take place on Sept 13.
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A report, "Energy Evolution: An Analysis of Alternative Vehicles and Fuels to 2100," depicts a scenario which initially includes a mix of alternative-fuel vehicles but later dominated by hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles sales. This scenario also forecasts simultaneously cutting US greenhouse gas pollution by 80% (below 1990 levels); reaching petroleum quasi-independence by mid-century; and eliminating nearly all controllable air pollution by this century's end.
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Marion Blakey, AIA President and CEO, said that a shrinking aerospace workforce, outdated export control rules, and a cumbersome defense acquisition system are threatening the health of the U.S. national security space industrial base. Recommendations to improve this situation solicited investment in science and education national priorities, re-evaluation of export controls on space technologies, and embracing of management practices that promote requirements stability.
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Scheduled for June 14-18, AWWA's Annual Conference and Exposition will include Public Officials Certificate program, Public Officials Breakfast and Caucus, and networking reception. Event will cover topics such as infrastructure maintenance, climate change, conservation and water efficiency, legislative and regulatory issues, managing in down economy, and public affairs. More than 500 exhibitors will be on-site showcasing latest products and services to help ensure safe water.
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NEMA's Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American conditions rose 16 points in April to 42. Although it fell below the key 50-point mark, indicative of improvement in industry conditions for seventeenth straight month, the index managed to reach its highest level in almost a year and has rallied some 34 points over the last 4 months. The future EBCI for North America pointed to a possible improvement in the level of the business conditions 6 months ahead.
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